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Rowing Machine Flywheel: why it Matters and how to Find the Ideal Machine

19. December 2024

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BY Lars Wichert

The flywheel is one of the central features that determines the quality and training experience on a rowing machine. It not only influences the smoothness and natural rowing feel, but also how efficient your training is. As a former competitive athlete, two-time Olympian and three-time world champion in rowing, I, Lars Wichert, have tried countless rowing machines in my career and know firsthand how crucial the flywheel is for an optimal training experience. Nothing is more annoying than losing the fun of training and rowing when the sports equipment does not meet the demands. In this article, you will learn why the flywheel is important, what role it plays, and how to find the best rowing machine for your needs.

What is a flywheel?

Detailaufnahme des AUGLETICS Rudergeräts mit elegantem Holz- und Metall-Design sowie integrierter Magnetbremse

The flywheel of a rowing machine is a mechanical component that ensures a smooth movement sequence. It stores kinetic energy and releases it evenly, which ensures that the movement is not jerky, but fluid and natural. Depending on the design and resistance system of a rowing machine, the flywheel can be of different sizes and weights.
Important: The flywheel works closely with the resistance system. It alone is not decisive for the training experience – the interaction is crucial.

How does the flywheel affect training?

A well-coordinated flywheel ensures that the movement is even, without jerky loads on the joints. This is particularly beneficial for beginners or people with sensitive joints. An even movement:
  • Protects tendons and ligaments.
  • Reduces the risk of injury.
  • Improves training efficiency.

The flywheel helps to ensure that the movement on the rowing machine is similar to rowing on the water. This means that the load is evenly distributed throughout the rowing stroke, which enables a pleasant and effective training.

How does the right resistance feel?

A good rowing machine ensures a smooth and fluid movement. The flywheel should be coordinated in such a way that the resistance is continuously noticeable, without abrupt changes or interruptions. This conveys a rowing feeling that is similar to that on the water and supports a natural, ergonomic movement. The resistance is noticeable from the beginning of the stroke to the rearmost position, the extraction. There is no pressure hole during the pressure absorption in the front reversal, where the resistance is missing. As soon as you pull, you have the pressure on the handle. The feeling should be the same as immersing the oars in the water – an even, controlled pressure that reacts directly to your strength. Devices such as the AUGLETICS Eight Style simulate this resistance with precise magnetic brake technology and at the same time offer the possibility to individually adjust the intensity.

Karl trains on a rowing machine with a view of a lake.

Different resistance systems and their flywheels

The type of resistance system has a major impact on the training experience and the required flywheel:

  • electronic magnetic brake: These systems, such as the AUGLETICS Eight Style, in which the magnet is electronically controlled, offer a particularly smooth rowing feeling. The flywheel is optimally supported by the precise magnetic field, which makes the movement extremely fluid.
  • Magnetic brake: Similar to a spinning bike, there is only a flywheel that is stopped by a magnet or felt brakes. This creates a rather unnatural rowing, as the braked flywheel always has to be driven like new. A clear difference to the electronically controlled magnet.

  • Water resistance: Devices such as the WaterRower create an authentic rowing feeling, in which the flywheel is supplemented by the water. The more water in the tank, the higher the resistance. During training, the resistance cannot be adjusted on most water rowing machines. The resistance is then generated by the rowing dynamics.
  • Air resistance: Models such as the Concept2 use air resistance and come with lighter flywheels, but offer a dynamic training. The resistance is adjusted by braking the fan wheel.
  • Hybrid systems: These combine the advantages of different systems and offer flexible training options.

The AUGLETICS Eight Style: Flywheel and technology in perfect harmony

The AUGLETICS Eight Style stands out from other rowing machines due to the innovative combination of optimized flywheel and modern magnetic brake technology. This mixture ensures a training experience that is suitable for both beginners and professionals.

  • Perfect smoothness and precision: Thanks to the specially tuned flywheel, the AUGLETICS Eight Style offers an even movement. Regardless of whether you are completing a relaxed endurance stroke or an intensive interval training – the smoothness remains constant. You will feel optimal resistance over the entire pull, which conveys an authentic rowing feeling that comes very close to rowing on the water.
  • Quiet and efficient: The precise magnetic brake technology not only ensures a smooth training, but also makes the device exceptionally quiet. So you can complete your training anytime and anywhere without disturbing your roommates or neighbors – perfect for a relaxed training in your own four walls.
  • Individual resistance adjustment: With the AUGLETICS Eight Style, you can adjust the resistance in fine gradations. Regardless of whether you are just starting out with rowing or training specifically for competitions, the device adapts to your requirements and offers you exactly the intensity you need.
  • Virtual trainer for optimal feedback: The integrated feedback system gives you real-time feedback on your technique. Whether you want to optimize the stroke sequence, improve your posture, or simply ensure that you are training efficiently – the virtual trainer supports you with every rowing stroke. Errors such as ‘leg breakthrough’ or an incorrect sequence of movement are detected and can be corrected immediately.

AUGLETICS Eight Style
Augletics Eight rowing machine with wood and aluminum frame, integrated tablet display

2.790,00 EUR

Details

  • Motivation and entertainment: The large touch screen not only allows you to choose from various training programs, but also the option to stream your favorite series or movies during training. This makes your workout not only effective, but also entertaining.
  • Compact design: With a total length of only 1.81 m, the AUGLETICS Eight Style is one of the most compact premium rowing machines on the market. It can also be folded up to save space without affecting functionality or stability. Thanks to its appealing design, it blends seamlessly into any living environment.
  • Low-maintenance technology: Another advantage of the magnetic brake and the sophisticated design is the low maintenance. There are no mechanical wear parts that need to be replaced regularly, which saves you time and costs in the long term.

With all these features, the AUGLETICS Eight Style sets standards in the world of rowing machines. It combines an optimal flywheel with state-of-the-art technology and offers you a training experience that is hard to beat in terms of quality, efficiency and user-friendliness.

Tips for choosing a rowing machine with the right flywheel

  • Define your goal: Do you want to lose weight, improve your endurance or build strength?
  • Test the device: Try out different devices to get a feel for the resistance and smoothness. The resistance can be adjusted on many devices. In addition to the ten levels for normal rowing training, the Augletics Eight offers an additional five resistance levels for explicit strength training during the rowing movement with increased resistance.
  • Pay attention to the technique: A device like the AUGLETICS Eight Style supports you with the integrated Virtual Trainer to learn and perfect the right technique.
  • Consider the space requirements: Consider where you want to set up the device and pay attention to foldable or compact models.

Conclusion: The flywheel – a crucial criterion for your training

The flywheel plays a central role in the training experience on a rowing machine, but it is not the only criterion. The interaction of flywheel, resistance system and overall construction of the device is decisive. The AUGLETICS Eight Style shows how modern technology creates an optimal balance that convinces both beginners and professionals.
With the right knowledge and the right rowing machine, nothing stands in the way of your effective, joint-friendly training. Get started now and discover how the ideal device can revolutionize your training.

About the author

Lars Wichert

Lars Wichert ist Sportwissenschaftler und ehemaliger Leistungssportler im Rudern. Er war 13 Jahre Teil der deutschen Nationalmannschaft. Dabei kann er auf zwei Teilnahmen an den Olympischen Spielen sowie drei Weltmeistertitel zurückblicken. Er war nach seiner Ruderkarriere als Trainer tätig und konnte mit seinem Team die Europameisterschaft gewinnen. Mittlerweile ist er in seiner Freizeit im Triathlon unterwegs und hält dort die Weltbestzeit der Amateure über die Ironman-Distanz. Lars verfügt über das Wissen als Trainer, Leistungssportler und Sportwissenschaftler, sodass sich jeder angesprochen fühlen kann. Sein Ziel ist es, Spaß an der Bewegung zu vermitteln und zu verdeutlichen, dass mit geringem Aufwand viel für die Gesundheit getan werden kann – denn es gibt keine bessere Vorsorge als die in seine eigene Gesundheit. Lars Wichert è uno scienziato dello sport ed ex atleta agonista di canottaggio. Ha fatto parte della nazionale tedesca per 13 anni. Ha partecipato a due Olimpiadi e ha vinto tre titoli mondiali. Dopo la carriera di canottiere, ha lavorato come allenatore e ha vinto il campionato europeo con la sua squadra. Nel tempo libero pratica il triathlon e detiene il record mondiale amatoriale sulla distanza Ironman. Lars dispone delle conoscenze necessarie come allenatore, atleta agonista e scienziato dello sport, in modo da poter soddisfare le esigenze di tutti. Il suo obiettivo è quello di trasmettere il piacere del movimento e di dimostrare che con poco sforzo si può fare molto per la salute, perché non c’è prevenzione migliore che quella della propria salute. Lars Wichert is a sports scientist and former competitive rower. He was a member of the German national team for 13 years. He can look back on two Olympic appearances and three world championship titles. After his rowing career, he worked as a coach and won the European Championship with his team. He now spends his free time competing in triathlons and holds the world record for amateurs over the Ironman distance. Lars has the knowledge as a coach, competitive athlete and sports scientist, so that everyone can feel addressed. His goal is to convey the fun of exercise and to make it clear that a lot can be done for one’s health with little effort – because there is no better prevention than taking care of one’s own health. Lars Wichert est scientifique du sport et ancien athlète de haut niveau en aviron. Il a fait partie de l’équipe nationale allemande pendant 13 ans. Il a participé à deux reprises aux Jeux Olympiques et remporté trois titres de champion du monde. Après sa carrière d’avironneur, il a travaillé comme entraîneur et a remporté le championnat d’Europe avec son équipe. Aujourd’hui, il consacre son temps libre au triathlon et détient le record mondial amateur sur la distance Ironman. Lars dispose des connaissances nécessaires en tant qu’entraîneur, athlète de haut niveau et scientifique du sport, ce qui lui permet de s’adresser à tout le monde. Son objectif est de transmettre le plaisir de bouger et de montrer qu’il est possible de faire beaucoup pour sa santé avec peu d’efforts, car il n’y a pas de meilleure prévention que celle de sa propre santé.
Picture of Lars Wichert

Lars Wichert

Lars Wichert ist Sportwissenschaftler und ehemaliger Leistungssportler im Rudern. Er war 13 Jahre Teil der deutschen Nationalmannschaft. Dabei kann er auf zwei Teilnahmen an den Olympischen Spielen sowie drei Weltmeistertitel zurückblicken. Er war nach seiner Ruderkarriere als Trainer tätig und konnte mit seinem Team die Europameisterschaft gewinnen. Mittlerweile ist er in seiner Freizeit im Triathlon unterwegs und hält dort die Weltbestzeit der Amateure über die Ironman-Distanz. Lars verfügt über das Wissen als Trainer, Leistungssportler und Sportwissenschaftler, sodass sich jeder angesprochen fühlen kann. Sein Ziel ist es, Spaß an der Bewegung zu vermitteln und zu verdeutlichen, dass mit geringem Aufwand viel für die Gesundheit getan werden kann – denn es gibt keine bessere Vorsorge als die in seine eigene Gesundheit. Lars Wichert è uno scienziato dello sport ed ex atleta agonista di canottaggio. Ha fatto parte della nazionale tedesca per 13 anni. Ha partecipato a due Olimpiadi e ha vinto tre titoli mondiali. Dopo la carriera di canottiere, ha lavorato come allenatore e ha vinto il campionato europeo con la sua squadra. Nel tempo libero pratica il triathlon e detiene il record mondiale amatoriale sulla distanza Ironman. Lars dispone delle conoscenze necessarie come allenatore, atleta agonista e scienziato dello sport, in modo da poter soddisfare le esigenze di tutti. Il suo obiettivo è quello di trasmettere il piacere del movimento e di dimostrare che con poco sforzo si può fare molto per la salute, perché non c'è prevenzione migliore che quella della propria salute. Lars Wichert is a sports scientist and former competitive rower. He was a member of the German national team for 13 years. He can look back on two Olympic appearances and three world championship titles. After his rowing career, he worked as a coach and won the European Championship with his team. He now spends his free time competing in triathlons and holds the world record for amateurs over the Ironman distance. Lars has the knowledge as a coach, competitive athlete and sports scientist, so that everyone can feel addressed. His goal is to convey the fun of exercise and to make it clear that a lot can be done for one's health with little effort – because there is no better prevention than taking care of one's own health. Lars Wichert est scientifique du sport et ancien athlète de haut niveau en aviron. Il a fait partie de l'équipe nationale allemande pendant 13 ans. Il a participé à deux reprises aux Jeux Olympiques et remporté trois titres de champion du monde. Après sa carrière d'avironneur, il a travaillé comme entraîneur et a remporté le championnat d'Europe avec son équipe. Aujourd'hui, il consacre son temps libre au triathlon et détient le record mondial amateur sur la distance Ironman. Lars dispose des connaissances nécessaires en tant qu'entraîneur, athlète de haut niveau et scientifique du sport, ce qui lui permet de s'adresser à tout le monde. Son objectif est de transmettre le plaisir de bouger et de montrer qu'il est possible de faire beaucoup pour sa santé avec peu d'efforts, car il n'y a pas de meilleure prévention que celle de sa propre santé.

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